Board games have always reflected our passions—from medieval kingdoms to modern cities. But few games have managed to capture the quiet joy of nurturing plants until now. The Planted Board Game by Buffalo Games, designed by acclaimed game creator Phil Walker-Harding, combines the relaxing theme of houseplants with easy-to-learn strategy. It’s a game of nature and nurture, where players compete to grow the most beautiful collection of thriving plants.

With quick playtime, accessible rules, and plenty of charm, Planted has become a favorite among families, casual gamers, and plant enthusiasts alike. In this article, we’ll explore how the game works, why it appeals to such a broad audience, and what makes it one of the most refreshing additions to the board game world.

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A Theme Rooted in Everyday Joy

Unlike many board games focused on combat, conquest, or trading empires, Planted takes a calm, wholesome approach. Its theme centers on the universal joy of caring for plants—something that has grown especially popular in recent years as more people have filled their homes with greenery.

Players don’t compete to destroy or outwit each other; instead, they race to become the best plant parent by meeting the needs of their leafy companions. The experience is immersive yet relaxing, making it a game that feels different from traditional tabletop fare.

The Gameplay: Nature Meets Strategy

At its heart, Planted is a resource management game, but with mechanics simple enough for beginners and engaging enough for seasoned players.

• Player Count: 2–5

• Playtime: 20–30 minutes

• Recommended Age: 10+

How It Works:

1. Collect Plants: Each player starts gathering a collection of houseplants—ranging from popular favorites like fiddle leaf figs to exotic options like crotons.

2. Gather Resources: Every round, players earn tokens representing essentials like water, sunlight, and plant food.

3. Care for Plants: Assign resources to your plants based on their specific needs. Some may require more light, others more water, while some thrive with extra plant food.

4. Use Tools and Decorations: Players can acquire helpful tools or decorative items that provide bonuses, making plant care more efficient and boosting scores.

5. Score Points: At the end of the game, players tally points based on how well they’ve nurtured their plants. The person with the highest score is crowned the ultimate green thumb.

The flow is intuitive, making the game accessible to new players while still offering strategic depth for veterans.

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42 Plant Varieties to Collect

One of the highlights of Planted is the sheer variety of plants included. The game features 42 different houseplants, each with unique requirements and illustrated with vibrant artwork.

Examples include:

• Fiddle Leaf Fig – A trendy plant requiring balanced care.

• Philodendron – Hardy but still demanding attention.

• ZZ Plant – Low maintenance but rewarding.

• Monstera – Popular for its iconic leaves.

• Croton – Exotic and colorful, requiring careful nurturing.

This variety ensures no two games feel exactly the same, as each player builds a unique “nursery” of plants to care for.

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Designed by Phil Walker-Harding

The Planted Board Game benefits from the design expertise of Phil Walker-Harding, a name well known in the tabletop community. He is the creator of hit games like Sushi Go!, Barenpark, and Imhotep. His hallmark style involves creating games that are:

• Easy to Learn – Rules that can be explained in minutes.

• Strategic – Choices matter, offering replay value.

• Family-Friendly – Accessible for both kids and adults.

With Planted, he brings these qualities into a plant-themed experience that appeals to both casual players and board game enthusiasts.

Why Planted Stands Out

Several features make the Planted Board Game unique and appealing:

1. Accessible Gameplay: The mechanics are straightforward, making it an excellent introduction to strategy board games.

2. Engaging Theme: Plant care is both relatable and relaxing, making the game enjoyable even for those new to tabletop gaming.

3. Quick Playtime: At 20–30 minutes, it’s short enough to play multiple rounds in one sitting.

4. Beautiful Artwork: The illustrations bring each plant to life, adding to the immersive experience.

5. Replayability: With so many plant combinations and different strategies, the game feels fresh with each playthrough.

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Perfect for Families and Casual Players

The Planted Board Game is ideal for families looking for a wholesome, non-competitive way to spend time together. While there is a winner, the theme keeps gameplay lighthearted—players are more focused on nurturing their plants than sabotaging opponents.

• For Kids (10 and up): Teaches resource management and planning skills.

• For Adults: Offers enough strategy to keep sessions engaging.

• For Mixed Groups: Quick turns and intuitive mechanics keep everyone involved.

The game also makes an excellent gift for plant lovers, blending tabletop fun with botanical appreciation.

Strategic Depth Beneath the Simplicity

While Planted is easy to learn, it rewards thoughtful decision-making. Players must:

• Balance limited resources across multiple plants.

• Choose whether to invest in tools and decorations for long-term benefits.

• Decide which plants to prioritize for higher scores.

This balance of accessibility and strategy makes it satisfying across multiple play sessions, especially when played with groups of different skill levels.

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Production Quality and Components

Buffalo Games has ensured that the Planted Board Game not only plays well but also looks and feels great.

• Resource Tokens: Colorful and sturdy, representing sunlight, water, and plant food.

• Plant Cards: High-quality illustrations that highlight each species’ personality.

• Tools and Decorations: Extra cards add variety and strategic depth.

• Rulebook: Clear and concise, ideal for quick learning.

The overall presentation is both practical and visually appealing, contributing to the relaxing theme of the game.

Price and Availability

The Planted Board Game retails around $34.99, making it affordable compared to heavier strategy titles. While it occasionally sells out due to demand, restocks are common through Buffalo Games and major retailers. For the value it offers in terms of replayability and design, the price is well justified.

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Who Should Buy Planted?

This game appeals to a wide range of audiences:

• Plant Enthusiasts: A perfect crossover of hobbies.

• Families: Easy rules and quick playtime keep everyone engaged.

• Casual Gamers: Great entry point into modern board games.

• Fans of Phil Walker-Harding: Another addition to his lineup of fun, accessible designs.

• Gift Buyers: A unique and thoughtful present for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Product Specifications

• Title: Planted

• Publisher: Buffalo Games

• Designer: Phil Walker-Harding

• Theme: Houseplants and resource management

• Players: 2–5

• Age Recommendation: 10+

• Play Time: 20–30 minutes

• Components: Plant cards, resource tokens, tool/decor cards, rulebook

• Price: $34.99 (subject to availability)

Final Thoughts

The Planted Board Game by Buffalo Games is a delightful blend of strategy and serenity. It captures the joy of plant care while delivering an engaging and accessible tabletop experience. With 42 different plants to collect, quick playtime, and approachable rules, it’s a game that can appeal to children, adults, and seasoned gamers alike.

Phil Walker-Harding’s design expertise shines through, making Planted both fun to play and easy to teach. For families, plant lovers, and anyone looking for a light but satisfying board game, this is a must-have addition to the shelf.

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FAQ

1. What is the Planted Board Game about?
   It’s a resource management game where players collect and care for houseplants by providing them with sunlight, water, and plant food.
2. Who designed Planted?
   The game was created by Phil Walker-Harding, designer of popular games like Sushi Go! and Barenpark.
3. How many players can play Planted?
   It supports 2–5 players, making it suitable for small or medium-sized groups.
4. How long does a game take?
   Each session lasts about 20–30 minutes.
5. Is Planted good for kids?
   Yes. Recommended for ages 10+, it teaches resource management and planning while remaining fun and accessible.
6. How many plant types are included?
   The game features 42 varieties of plants, each with unique care requirements.
7. What makes Planted different from other board games?
   Its wholesome theme, quick playtime, and approachable mechanics make it stand out from typical competitive or heavy strategy games.
8. Is Planted worth the price?
   At around $34.99, it offers excellent value through high replayability, quality components, and family-friendly design.